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Electronic music pioneer Eric Prydz has filed a lawsuit against his former business manager Thomas St. John, accusing him of stealing more than $269,000 and engaging in what Prydz describes as “fraud,” “breach of trust,” and “unauthorized withdrawals.”
According to the legal filing, St. John — who had been handling Prydz’s finances, taxes, and touring-related administration since 2012 — began paying himself unapproved fees after a contract renewal in 2023. Court documents claim he issued $219,000 in unauthorized payments to his own firm, far beyond the agreed rate.
After Prydz terminated the contract, the lawsuit alleges that St. John demanded an additional $150,000 to complete the artist’s final tax return — a move the filing describes as “extortion.” When Prydz refused, the return was not submitted. The suit also claims St. John withdrew another $50,000 after being fired.
The case adds to a widening pattern: just months earlier, Calvin Harris filed his own multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the same manager, accusing him of mishandling more than $22 million.
Why This Matters
Cases like this highlight the hidden risks behind the glamour of the electronic music industry. Major DJs rely on financial managers to handle complex global income — but even top-tier artists can become vulnerable when trust is abused.
For the scene, it’s a reminder: artistic talent is one thing… protecting your business is another.
Important legal context
The claims described in the lawsuit are allegations and should not be treated as proven findings unless confirmed through a final court judgment or settlement. The distinction is important when reporting an ongoing financial dispute involving named individuals. For related context, read our feature on responsible public discussion.
